Madison Reporter

Residents of Madison will have an opportunity to meet their Eastside and Northside Alders at a public event organized by the City of Madison Common Council in partnership with Madison College. The meet-and-greet is scheduled for Wednesday, September 3, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Truax Campus of Madison College. The event is free and open to all residents, with light refreshments provided. Organizers request that attendees register in advance through the city’s website.

The event aims to strengthen relationships between elected officials and community members by providing direct access to Alders representing various districts on the East and North sides of Madison.

Alder Carmella Glenn represents District 18, which covers neighborhoods north and west of Lake Mendota. Glenn said, "My hopes center on fostering community engagement and ensuring that all voices are heard in the decision-making process." She added, "This run is about supporting housing and community to complete things we all want. After running again this year, I look forward to ensuring Raemisch Farms gets what it needs to come to fruition."

District 12 is represented by Alder Julia Matthews. Her district includes areas from the Yahara River to Reindahl Park and stretches northward past E. Washington Avenue. Matthews explained her motivation: "When council meetings went online in 2020, I started watching from home and realized how city government affects our lives. This inspired me to get involved and run for the Common Council." Regarding her goals as alder, she stated, "I aim to improve public access to the city government, share information, and address community inquiries. I also look forward to the completion of key projects that will benefit the district."

On the Eastside, Alder Derek Field serves District 3—an area bounded by Stoughton Road on the west and Sprecher Road on the east—with landmarks such as Hiestand Park and Kennedy Elementary School included within its borders. Field said about his role: "Public policy is a tool that governments should use to make folks' lives better and solve problems, like Madison's housing affordability crisis and the significant challenges posed by our changing climate." He continued, "I am dedicated to advocating for the neighborhoods in my district by ensuring the City plans for the infrastructure and services our growing community needs."

Alder Dina Nina Martinez-Rutherford represents District 15—which encompasses neighborhoods such as Eastmorland, Glendale, Lake Edge, Worthington/Darbo, and part of SASY—and shared her reasons for serving: "I chose to run for Common Council because of the lack of representation for Transgender people and those who experience poverty." She noted her focus: "I always focus on trying to improve the lives of people, especially the most vulnerable and underrepresented."

District 16’s Alder Sean O'Brien covers one of Madison's largest districts stretching from South Stoughton Road toward McFarland. O'Brien said: "I chose to run for alder to give back to the community that raised me. In these uncertain times, strong local leadership is essential to restore trust in government." On priorities he listed: "My top priorities include the Southeast Area Plan, which focuses on redesigning South Stoughton Road (US-51) to be safer and more bike- and pedestrian-friendly. I also want to reduce the cost of living and tackle our housing crisis."

Representing District 17—the northeast corner including Greater Sandburg Neighborhood—Alder Sabrina V. Madison stated: "I ran for alder to ensure that the voices of single parents, renters, and working-class families are heard in local government. I wanted to use my experiences and community connections to advocate for equity and change in District 17." She added her commitment: "I am committed to enhancing Madison for everyone by supporting the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park, advocating for affordable housing, and investing in youth. I also strive to make local government more accessible and transparent."

According to information available from City resources, residents can find their respective Alder using tools provided online.

For questions or further details about this event or parking options at Truax Campus Visitor Parking map are available online; residents may also contact Lorissa R. Bañuelos at Lbanuelos@cityofmadison.com or (608) 332-8229.

The mission statement from organizers reads: “The Common Council’s mission is to represent the residents of Madison by promoting the safety health and general well-being of the community by incorporating core values such as Equity Civic Engagement Well-Being Shared Prosperity Stewardship.”